Jim Bob Humphrey, president of Humphrey Funeral Services, credited his daughter, Elizabeth, for coming up with a seemingly simple solution to the most common argument — concerns about mercury emissions — he has heard regarding his proposal to build a cemetery and crematorium next to Center Valley Elementary School.

Humphrey said the "ground-breaking concept" has been discussed but never implemented in the U.S.

For that reason, he said he consulted the "ultimate legal authority on funeral service," attorney Scott Gilligan, to ascertain if there were any laws in Arkansas, or the U.S., that would prevent him from doing that.

"There are no prohibitions," Humphrey told the Arkansas State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors during Tuesday's public hearing.

On the current cremation authorization form Humphrey uses, there is a section the authorized family member must complete regarding the removal of mechanical devices and implants. Humphrey plans to include dental fillings in the future.

Humphrey said he expects mixed reactions from leaders in his industry.

"I hope the industry will respond dramatically to this news and be supportive of it," he said.

A letter obtained by The Courier addressed to the board of embalmers and funeral directors from Barbara Kemmis, Crematorium Association of North America (CANA) executive director, stated: "Mr. Humphrey’s innovative approach to mercury abatement, in the form of removing dental amalgam in fillings and crowns prior to cremation, is unprecedented.

"The concept has been discussed in California and Minnesota, but to my knowledge, Humphrey Funeral Service will become the first funeral home in North America to implement the procedure."

Kemmis's letter alludes to this procedure as having an impact on the industry throughout the U.S.

"The Cremation Association of North America is engaged with several state and provincial agencies to participate and advise on mercury studies at this time," the letter stated. "Mr. Humphrey’s proposed procedure is of great interest to the CANA leadership and will influence the national discussion on mercury abatement."

Scott Steuber, spokesman for residents opposed to the crematorium, was not immediately available for comment regarding the proposed solution.